Full job descriptionThis is a new role due to department restructure and as Cost Accountant you will be responsible for analysing, monitoring, and controlling the organisation’s costs within our ERP system, to support informed financial decision-making. Ensuring accurate product costing, inventory valuation, margin analysis, and cost control, while providing insights to improve operational efficiency and profitability. Key accountabilities are:
1. Costing & Inventory Management
*Perform Qtly cost roll-ups and bill of materials (BOM) reviews.
*Analyse manufacturing variances (material, labour, overhead).
*Monitor inventory valuation and reconcile inventory accounts.
*Oversee periodic inventory counts and ensure accuracy (cycle counts, stocktakes).
*Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies.


2. Financial Analysis & Reporting
*Prepare margin analysis by product and by customer.
*Prepare month-end close journals related to inventory and cost of sales. Such as, obsolescence accrual journal, labour/overhead re-allocation journals and absorption adjustment journals.
*Prepare labour efficiencies reporting on a daily/weekly basis.
*Prepare balance sheet reconciliations
*Maintain & control fixed asset register and prepare monthly depreciation journal.
*Prepare monthly board slides relating to inventory aging, inventory segments


3. Systems & Data Management
*Maintain costing systems and ERP modules (AX Microsoft dynamics).
*Ensure integrity and accuracy of cost data within systems.
*Develop and enhance reporting tools (Excel models, BI dashboards).
*Support system upgrades and process automation initiatives.
*Drive continuous improvement initiatives and standardisation.


4. Compliance & Internal Controls
*Ensure compliance with accounting standards (e.g., IFRS, UK GAAP).
*Maintain strong internal controls over inventory and costing processes.
*Prepare year end schedules for auditors relating to inventory and costing-related queries.
*Document processes and ensure adherence to policies.


5. Other Accounting Duties
*Any other task as directed by Finance Manager / Financial Controller.


ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
*Proven experience (1-2 years) in cost accounting or management accounting
*Strong understanding of manufacturing or operational environments
*Experience with ERP systems (AX, SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, etc.)
*Knowledge of lean manufacturing or process improvement methodologies.
*Advanced Excel (pivot tables, modelling, data analysis).
*Cost accounting methods (standard costing, absorption costing). ERP systems proficiency.
*Data analysis and interpretation.


DESIRABLE SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
*Sage Payroll and Sage HR experience.
*Experience of Microsoft AX would be an advantage.


QUALIFICATIONS
*Professional qualification or part qualified (CIMA, ACA or equivalent)


PERSONAL QUALITIES/ATTRIBUTES
*Ability to work accurately to committed timelines.
*High level of organisational and planning skills.
*Problem solving and analytical capability.
*Would suit someone previously within an accountancy practice who has moved into manufacturing.